SoutheasternOhioPreps.com

By Jamison HensleyEvery morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

The Cincinnati Enquirer's Joe Reedy doesn't expect running back Cedric Benson to return to the Bengals.

Benson is the team's leading rusher and is on pace for his third consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. He signed a one-year, $3 million contract before the season to remain with Cincinnati and becomes an unrestricted free agent at its end.

Asked last night if Benson is gone after this season, Reedy responded on Twitter: "I can see a mutual parting of the ways."

Hensley's slant: Benson is basically a lock to give a team 1,000 yards and six rushing touchdowns each season. But there are two factors working against him: his age (he turns 29 later this month) and his off-the-field problems. The Bengals don't seem sold on Bernard Scott as a feature back, so look for them to address running back in the draft. Cincinnati would be set if it added a young runner to an offense that has quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receiver A.J. Green.

i just hope we make sound decisions in this draft. we could come out of this next draft year, barring injuries. as 1 of the teams to compete for it all.

Yep, maybe we can get Mathieu along with a decent RB.

I don't see why off the field problems would work against him,,Brown has a long history of embracing these type of players.

C-Bolt wrote:I don't see why off the field problems would work against him,,Brown has a long history of embracing these type of players.

True, he always gave players a second chance. maybe 3 uhh 4 maybe 5.

didn't Ced test the markets this past season and nobody was interested? that's why he had to sign a league min. contract
from what I've seen of him this year, his attitude on the sideline is nothing but sour. Bengals have gotten rid of other bad apples, he needs to go also

Benson is not going to get more money elsewhere at his age. His style of running takes its toll and backs like him go downhill fast. But going to an unproven rookie does not always work out. If they get rid of Benson they need to bring in someone else to help with the young backs. Much like how the Saints are doing. They have 3 good backs with one being a rookie.